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Project Connect Hosts High-Level Conference at Posidonia 2026: How will the maritime industry secure the talent it needs for the future?

Project Connect is pleased to announce its upcoming conference for its members and supporters, "Adopt a Ship: How Early Education is Changing the Future of Shipping: Raising the Maritime Workforce of 2036," taking place during Posidonia 2026 at the Metropolitan Expo. The event will be held on Thursday, June 4th, 2026, from 14:45 to 18:30 in Seminar Room 2B
The core purpose of this conference is to present the profound impact of the Adopt a Ship™ program. By providing early-age exposure to the maritime world, the program is actively helping to change and raise the next generation workforce for 2036. As the global shipping industry navigates rapid transformation in an era of digitalization, decarbonization and automation, this session provides a strategic roadmap for bridging the gap between primary education and the high-level skills required for the future. The session will honor the teachers, captains, and member companies whose commitment has enabled thousands of students to experience the world of shipping in a direct and personal way. More than a conference, this gathering reflects a broader movement—one that positions education as a strategic pillar of the maritime industry’s future.

Distinguished Speakers will provide Industry Perspectives:
• Mr. John Xylas (Treasurer, Union of Greek Shipowners,
Chairman, INTERCARGO, Principal, Ariston Navigation, Founder Member of Project Connect: the shipowner's perspective on international shipping regulation and why early-age maritime exposure is a mechanical necessity for the industry's future.
• Mrs. Metaxia Psalti (Vice Chair INTERCARGO, COO, Neda Maritime Agency): the critical challenge of retention, how senior executives can welcome, inspire, and retain the new generation within the shipping company structure.
• Dr. Adamantia Spanaka (Educator Consultant): Presenting the pedagogical impact and teacher assessment reports of the program's success in Greek schools.

Institutional & Training Insights:

• Mr. George Alexandratos (President, Hellenic Chamber of Shipping): Offering an institutional greeting on the strategic importance of Adopt a Ship maritime education in early ages in the Greek national school system and expanding to USA and Africa (our Greek fleet is promoting Greek Shipping abroad).
• Mr. Athanasios Makris (Chief of Staff Office of the Deputy Minister, Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vice Admiral (ret.), HN) Confirms the importance of the Adopt Ship Teachers contribution to raising maritime awareness.
• Dr. Yiannis Kalogerakis (JMK Anthropocentric Strategic Leadership & People Development, Culture Architect, President International Union of Professional Trainers): Sharing insights on youth training and focusing on preparing students for professional readiness within a rapidly evolving sector.

The session will highlight first-hand perspectives from Nautical Vocational High School (EPAL) students—the future captains and engineers of the Greek fleet—celebrating the next generation as they take their first decisive steps into maritime careers.
Invest your time to witness firsthand the value Adopt a Ship™ brings to your company’s future. Project Connect, a collective force of shipping people shaping the next workforce together, looks forward to seeing you there!

Attendance & Registration

To ensure a high-impact and engaging environment, capacity for this session is limited. We kindly request that you register your interest early, as seats will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Please provide your RSVP by May 22nd to Αυτή η διεύθυνση ηλεκτρονικού ταχυδρομείου προστατεύεται από τους αυτοματισμούς αποστολέων ανεπιθύμητων μηνυμάτων. Χρειάζεται να ενεργοποιήσετε τη JavaScript για να μπορέσετε να τη δείτε..